Understanding and Handling Your ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a serious problem (hence it’s classification as a disorder). It is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to manage behavior (particularly impulsiveness), focus or pay attention, resulting in problems in work, health, finances, and human relationships. The condition becomes more complicated due to its “hidden” nature. Friends, neighbors, family members, colleagues, and bosses don’t see the challenges and as such, may find it difficult to accept the problem as neurobiological rather than an individual’s choice. ADD patients also suffer from feelings of inadequacy, not living up to their potential as well as others’ expectations of them.

Effects of ADD

ADD symptoms vary not just from patient to patient but can manifest differently based on the specific situation (social, work, school, or home). The symptoms could also be inconsistent from day to day; one day, you feel as if you accomplished a tremendous amount of work while on others, you feel exceptionally unproductive. ADD patients can spend hours doing a homework assignment or writing a book report, and then forget to submit it.

On some occasions, they relegate tasks they feel are confusing, boring or challenging to the background (even if the tasks are considered critical to work, personal finances such as doing taxes, or school) and focus exclusively on projects that seem trivial or unnecessary. As such, ADD patients often fail or drop out of school, constantly get fired or have financial and legal problems that could have been easily avoided.

However, with the right treatment, environment, and lifestyle, symptoms of ADD can be mitigated, and patients can live relatively normal lives. A lot of talented actors, writers, business owners, athletes, artists, and inventors had ADD but went on to become renowned in their various professions. They led exceptional lives and contributed immensely to the growth of society.

Diagnosing Adult ADD

The first step in handling ADD begins with an accurate diagnosis of the condition; however, this is not as simple as it sounds. An ADD diagnosis requires a medical professional (who has extensive experience with adult ADD) to perform a detailed evaluation. This evaluation is done using interviews, rating scales, questionnaires, and intellectual screenings, in addition to measuring distractibility and level of sustained attention. The professional then decides if the symptoms correspond with those outlined in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), the official diagnostic manual used in the U.S.

Handling ADD

Once you’ve been accurately diagnosed with the disorder, the next step is finding a way to handle it. In the past, experts thought that ADD/ADHD affected only children and that they grew out of it as they grew older; however, this is not the case. This was because adults with ADD learned to cope with the condition as they grew older, developing strategies that helped them fit in with social expectations. Fortunately, we now know that ADD lasts throughout a person’s lifetime, from formative years to old age.

Methods Used in Managing ADD

The most common way of managing ADD is through the use of medication. These are divided into two: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants help to increase attention while reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity; however, if you experience too many side-effects or have a history of addictions, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulants. In special cases, a combination of both kinds of medications may be used.

Counseling is another approach to treating ADD. It has been observed that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is effective in treating cases of adult ADD. This type of therapy assists patients to learn new ways of behaving and interacting with the world. In particular, CBT helps to address symptoms of ADD such as shame, feelings of low self-esteem and loss of self-confidence.

Other ways of treating ADD include practicing stress reduction techniques, including physical exercise as part of your daily routine and making lifestyle shifts (such as focusing on personal strengths). You could also be eligible for workplace accommodation.

The good news is that ADD is a manageable condition and with the right professional help, you can live a remarkably productive life. If you would like to meet with a qualified physician to discuss your ADD, please schedule an appointment by clicking here or calling our San Francisco clinic at (415) 966-0848.

All You Need To Know: Adderall in San Francisco

As an adult, it is sometimes hard to deal with issues that often disrupt your ability to perform basic functions related to work or home. Many people struggle to understand why they are unable to cope with the side effects of Adderall or successful member of the workforce can cause. For some the underlying issue can be stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or even menopause others may be shocked to learn that they suffer from ADHD. ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition that develops in childhood. Even though some individuals are just now noticing the symptoms, ADHD does not develop in adulthood and some symptoms must have been present during those formative years. ADHD can be hard to diagnose. (ADHD Diagnosis in San Francisco can be performed at EzCare Clinic San Francisco). Symptoms present differently at varying stages of life as well as manifesting differently as people age. Those individuals may not have been diagnosed during their youth, however, in looking back it is quite clear that some symptoms did indeed occur during their childhood.

What Symptoms Does Adderall Treat?

Compounded from a mixture of two stimulants, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine, Adderall is one of the most popular medications to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Designed to limit the debilitating side effects of Adderall, it has been approved to alleviate symptoms associated with inattention hyperactivity, impulsivity, and potentially risky behavior. Other symptoms that have been reported with ADHD are lack of focus, forgetfulness, fidgeting, frequent interrupting, disorganization, and excessive talking. In approximately, 70% of the ADHD sufferers, amphetamines have been shown to have an impact on their behavior. However, there are some individuals that don’t seem to be affected by low doses of Adderall and an adjustment may need to be made in order to see positive results. Additionally, some foods such as citrus containing fruit may block the absorption of this medicine. To avoid complications, some clinicians suggest taking Adderall on an empty stomach and to avoid consuming citrus containing supplements or fruit for the hour before and after taking your prescription.

How Does Adderall Help with ADHD and Anxiety?

Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. Their effectiveness is derived from the ability to increase certain chemicals in the brain making the pathways work more efficiently. Adderall is one such stimulant. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels that have been stored in other areas and slow the reuptake of neurotransmitters (chemical transmitters). Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and behavior. They both play a key role in regulating attention and executive function. It is believed that in individuals that suffer from ADHD, the neurotransmitter is prematurely reabsorbed making it impossible for messages to be relayed in an adequate and

timely manner. Although Adderall and other stimulants are effective in treating ADHD, they can not cure the disease. Adderall helps to alleviate symptoms while the stimulant is present in your system. Just as Adderall is one of the most popular prescription drugs available, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. Because of the calming and attention-boosting effects, some may believe that the medication can also effectively treat Anxiety. Surprisingly, the answer depends on which type of anxiety you suffer from. Adderall is not typically prescribed for anxiety but may be useful for those who have anxiety due to ADHD or narcolepsy. Adderall has been shown to effectively improve a person’s self-confidence and excitement to participate in activities that may alleviate anxiety associated with low self-esteem. It is important to discuss all your symptoms with your healthcare provider. If you are suffering from anxiety due to ADHD or narcolepsy, Adderall may be helpful in treating it as well.

Is it Healthy To Take Adderall?

Adderall is safe and effective when taken by adults as prescribed even for patients that have been on it for the long-term treatment of ADHD. However, for individuals that have not been diagnosed with ADHD, or are not under medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous. Stimulants of this nature are listed on the DEA’s Schedule II list meaning that they have a “high the potential for abuse” and can “lead to severe psychological or physical dependence”.

What Are The Side Effects of Adderall?

Adderall is one of the most effective treatments for ADHD because of the way it stimulates the brain lessening the symptoms of the disease. This stimulation has a calming and focusing effect on people who suffer from the disease. As with any medication, there is an inherent risk of side effects of Adderall, most are considered to be mild or moderate.

How Do I Get Prescribed Adderall?

Patients who suffer from ADHD can often feel self-conscious and out of touch with the world around them, unable to focus or often prone to dangerous or impulsive behavior. Contact the medical professionals at EZCare Clinic. We are a multi-disciplined medical group designed to treat the overall person and not just focus one portion of your healthcare needs. We believe the best solution to optimal health is with Integrative Medicine. This holistic approach includes conventional medicine, hormonal balancing, nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior modification. Call today to schedule your appointment. We are dedicated to finding the best solution to your concerns. After all your health is what matters most.

Adderall Dosage

EZCare Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for adults that suffer from ADD or ADHD. From diagnosis and full-scale treatment options that include counseling and therapy to treatment for anyone that has found themselves no longer a candidate for medications due to drug or alcohol addiction. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love might suffer from these or other neurological disorders, let the compassionate professionals at EZCare Clinic help you get solutions to put you on the right track to a well-balanced life.

What is Adderall Used For?

Adderall, a schedule II-controlled substance, is the brand name of a prescription medication made from a combination of two stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. As a highly effective stimulant, with the right Adderall dosage, it can be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It is one of a class of drugs designed to treat inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and the many other symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Though it is not fully understood how or why Adderall helps treat ADHD, it was once believed to that it impacted the neurotransmitters in the brain. However, we do know that with the right regimen, patients taking Adderall has seen a significant increase in their ability to control the symptoms of the disorder.

What is The Right Adderall Dosage?

As with any medication, patients should always consult with a physician or pharmacist before taking different Adderall dosage. Once a proper diagnosis has been completed, your physician generally prescribes a low dosage and adjusts if needed.

Adderall for immediate release is typically more flexible than the extended release allowing doctors to start patients out on a minimal dose and increase incrementally if needed. Patients that are being treated for narcolepsy begin with the minimum 5mg dosage every four to six hours and may be increased to 60 mg if needed.

The best dosage can change throughout childhood and may go up or down over time but after the age of sixteen, the dose usually remains the same for as long as they are on Adderall. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that at least once a year the dosage be reviewed for its effectiveness. The FDA has not studied the use of Adderall IR in children younger than three years old or of Adderall XR in children younger than six years old therefore it has not been approved for use in children in these younger age groups. There have been numerous studies that looked at the impact of long-term Adderall usage, though most of those studied were receiving treatment for narcolepsy. There were no lasting side effects noted in those individuals. Therefore, Adderall is considered safe for many individuals to use and for an extended period of time. If you and your clinician have made the decision to stop Adderall, tapering is recommended to help lessen any side effects.

Typically, patients will see the impact from the Adderall IR within one hour of their first dose. However, there are a small number of patients that do not have any beneficial reaction at first. If you are one of those patients, there are a few things to consider. First citric and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in supplements, juice or food can hinder or even prevent the absorption of the stimulant medication. Sometimes, taking the medication on an empty stomach and avoiding vitamin C an hour before and after taking this medication will improve the effects. Second, before you give up, contact your healthcare team, increasing the dosage might be warranted.

What Symptoms Should Adderall Help With?

Adderall has been approved to treat a variety of symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD. Researchers concluded that the symptoms of this disorder can present quite differently in children and adults as well as a difference between women and young girls. While there is a more stringent set of guidelines to follow with young children due to ensuring their behavior is indeed a result of the disorder, teens and adults are somewhat easier to diagnose. Symptoms that can be treated with Adderall includes lack of focus, forgetfulness, fidgeting, frequent interrupting, disorganization, and excessive talking. Young girls tend to experience ADHD more internally than boys who often use unruly behavior to get attention. Understanding the unique differences within each group will help doctors and clinicians correctly evaluate the symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD. Adderall has been shown to be an effective treatment in adults who suffer from these symptoms if taken regularly. Understanding Adderall and its Role in Helping ADHD and ADD Symptoms

How to get Adderall in San Francisco?

If you live or work in the San Francisco area and are concerned that you or a loved one might be suffering from ADD/ADHD contact the EZCare Clinic to schedule an appointment today. Our providers are specially trained and licensed in California, to provide quality patient care. During your individualized consultation, they will work with you to determine how your unique symptoms are affecting you. Determining your medical needs and how it impacts your life is the first step in combating this debilitating disorder. Once a proper evaluation has been completed and the best course of treatment determined, the medical staff will provide you with all the resources, including stimulant or non-stimulant treatment and counseling to ensure you receive the best care.